Ole Miss’s magical season and College Football Playoff run came to an end Thursday after a crushing loss in a 31–27 thriller at the hands of Miami. It was the Rebels’ first CFP appearance and despite all the drama surrounding Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU, Ole Miss proved to be a true title threat.
Kiffin wanted to stick around to coach the Rebels through their CFP run, an idea that administration did not go for, naming defensive coordinator Pete Golding as the permanent coach immediately. Although Kiffin brought numerous offensive staffers along with him, much of the outgoing staff stayed with Ole Miss for the postseason. That changed to a degree as the Rebels advanced to the CFP semifinal against Miami.
